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Why is St. Charles Health System offering the SharedCare Plan?

St. Charles Health System has recognized the need for better access to health care in the tri-county region. According to the Oregon Population Survey, Central Oregon's uninsurance rate is over 19%, or 40,000 people - the highest in the state, and 78% more than its rate in 1996. In addition, 53% percent of businesses in Central Oregon report they do not provide health care benefits to their employees.

In 2009, the Oregon Legislative Assembly passed Senate Bill 862, directing the Oregon Department of Human Services' Office of Health Policy and Research to develop a certification process to approve community-based health care initiatives, also known as multi-share programs (MSP). As of January 2010, Oregon has certified three multi-share programs:

SharedCare, serving Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson Counties, which begin enrollment on May 1, 2010
North-East Oregon Network, serving Union, Wallowa and Baker Counties, starting enrollment in Fall 2010
100% Access, serving Lane County, will start enrolling in 2011

Working with a committed group of stakeholders that represent health care providers, hospitals, insurance companies, community leaders and business owners, St. Charles Health System has assumed SharedCare, a community health improvement plan designed to give small business owners the opportunity to provide affordable health care benefits to their uninsured, lower-wage employees.

Why Did St. Charles Health System Receive Certification by the State?

St. Charles Health System is an established and highly respected non-profit that serves the tri-county region with a mission to improve the health of Central Oregonians and the expertise to explore, develop and direct strategic and innovative programs that have positive, measurable outcomes.

It has a history of bringing diverse groups together to constructively discuss issues like health care integration, access, coverage and prevention and create action plans to promote health and wellness. For example, programs like Care Coordination and Trails to Health are already making a difference in many lives. Since January 2009, over 630 community members with social and health care needs have received assistance in navigating the health care system through Care Coordination, and more than 834 individuals have participated in the Trails to Health wellness program.

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